1. Have Your Eyes Checked Regularly
Nearsightedness or myopia in many cases is genetic, meaning you cannot actually prevent it. That being said, there are ways to prevent the complications that can arise when nearsightedness is left untreated. These complications include eyestrain related to constant squinting and overworking, accidents caused by impaired vision, glaucoma and the possibility of continued vision loss from a torn or detached retina.
Your best defense against these problems is to have your eyes examined at least yearly by your optometrist or ophthalmologist. During these exams your doctor will determine how bad your nearsightedness is and will prescribe the daily use of glasses or contacts. At your subsequent appointments, he or she will check to see if your myopia has gotten better or worse, requiring a change in your prescription. The doctor will also test the health of your eyes, looking for signs of glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration and cataracts. The earlier these issues are detected, the easier it is to treat them and prevent further complications.
2. Avoid Overworking Your Eyes
Certain activities like watching TV, working at the computer, reading for long periods of time and driving can all put extra strain on your eyes. Prolonged eyestrain can often lead to increased nearsightedness. In order to minimize the eye stress caused by these activities, try to frequently give your eyes a break. If you are at the computer, for example, look out the window every once in a while or stand up and get a drink. Sometimes the glare from the computer screen or from your car windshield can cause added eyestrain as well. Wear sunglasses while driving and get an anti-glare filter for your screen where possible.
3. Improve Your Focus With at-Home Exercises
There are ways to strengthen your eyes to prevent further myopia. One of the best ways to strengthen the eye muscles is with focus-shifting exercises. You will need two eye charts, one with normal, type-sized letters, and one with larger letters that can be seen at a distance. Post the distance chart on a wall. Then move back 20 feet from the wall and hold the smaller eye chart in your hand. Start by focusing on the chart in your hand until the letters are clear. Then quickly shift your focus to eye chart on the wall, allowing the letters to become clear and readable. Repeat these steps several times, trying to speed up the time it takes for your vision to become clear after switching your focus. For best results, you should practice this every day. The eye charts can be obtained from your optometrist, you can make them yourself or you can just use two other detailed objects.
